Films About Films

It didn’t take cinema long to realise that the art form could be its own juiciest subject. Silent cinema’s most famous musing on itself is Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr (1924), with the star as a projectionist dreaming himself into a movie. But eight years earlier, Charlie Chaplin made this illusion-puncturing short about the humdrum realities of the movie studio. Chaplin’s antics as a stage hand reveal the industrial nature of the silent film business, while a scowling director in dark glasses and cap worn backwards – grimly supervising a pie-throwing scene - is surely the first angst-ridden auteur to be depicted on screen. Films about films usually show the filmmaking process as pitted with heartache, chaotic, destructive to the mind and soul of those wishing to fulfill their creative urges, monstrous battles of egotism and greed. Whether that falls short of the truth or not, only those who’ve trodden the lonely path and made films can say. However, watching these films will be illuminating, cathartic and inspiring for filmmakers, and with their warts and all take will no doubt make them feel less alone.

Living in Oblivion

Independent film director Nick Reve (Steve Buscemi) is making his first feature. Everything that can go wrong does: the rebellious catering crew refuses to replace spoiled milk, his actors are flaky and getting an unspoiled take is nearly impossible. Tension between lead actress Nicole (Catherine Keener) and actor Chad (James LeGros), who have just slept together, contributes to the many problems on set. As money and time run out, Nick struggles to complete his film.